The 2012 French Open

Things started to get real “emo” for the Active Team once Roland-Garros first kicked off on May 27th. We LOVE our tennis and more importantly watching top pros slide across the tournament’s famous clay courts. Best known as the French Open, the matches kick off summer, launching into a two week stretch…and for us, two weeks of checking out some of the most directional tennis apparel on the market. Over the past few days, we’ve been eyeing who’s been wearing what; homing in on key pieces. Here’s a quick snapshot of our favorite looks so far…

Nike, a major player in the sponsorship realm, fashions sleek, yet functional looks for the likes of its athletes including: Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

This year for our favorite Spaniard, Mr. Nadal, has been donning a tropical-inspired pink crew with tonal graphics and matching kicks, cemented by crisp white shorts (just in case we didn’t acknowledge, we ADORE Rafa, and love a man who is unafraid to wear pink!).

Feds and Sharapova equally looked stellar, yet opted for a darker palette of neutrals. Sleek tonal combinations looked fresh compared to previous seasons of color. Quite a welcomed shock and new perspective for such a tournament as Roland Garros. We also love the body-con/shapewear influence for Sharapova’s dress. Right on trend.

And as for adidas by Stella McCartney…Miss Caroline Wozniacki’s citrus-hued tank, skirt, visor, sports bra and sweatbands certainly looked bright! The palette is quite fitting for such an environment, lending natural color blocking against the clay courts.

Hands down though, the biggest news we heard – and saw – was that Japanese retailer Uniqlo swooped up the highly coveted sponsorship of Novak Djokovic. Difficult to believe, but oh so true AND for an additional five year contract! Although not traditionally regarded as an active-focused company (even though we love HEATTECH), Uniqlo has wowed us with Novak’s kit, which features flawlessly simple crews, polos and shorts in a palette of navy and white.

Uniqlo

Well folks, the finals are this weekend, on Sunday, June 10th. You know where to find us! -Jessica Kaplan & Devon Walsh

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Clare Varga is a highly experienced sportswear designer and forecaster, with specialist knowledge in wearable technology and performance textiles. An a ex-Creative Director a Reebok Europe, she has over 20 years experience in active sports. Well respected within the industry, Clare has served as a judge on the ISPO Performance Awards since 2012 and has represented WGSN as a keynote speaker at seminars and events around the world.
"I love sport, fashion and very high shoes....sometimes all at the same time" Clare Varga